| Pivot with weakening traction |
Interviews, cohort evidence, 13-week cash, pre-mortem |
Independent decision reviewer plus financial model |
No claims of guaranteed product-market fit |
| First VP Sales |
Funnel and unit economics, options other than hiring |
Experienced operator and finance challenger |
Employment terms need qualified review |
| Two offers of venture financing |
Cap table, side-by-side terms, decision memo |
Startup counsel and independent finance analysis |
Securities law/brokerage issues Broker-Dealers — US SEC |
| Founder co-founder conflict |
Governance/cap table/decision rights |
Counsel + coach/facilitator with strict boundaries |
Confidentiality is not privilege |
| Series A expansion |
Customer validation, cash scenarios, dependency map |
Specialist research and strategic challenge |
Board approvals/contract obligations |
| Investor-funded coaching |
Buyer/payer/beneficiary map |
Credentialed coach with transparent sponsor rules |
Information sharing defined in writing ICF Code of Ethics, effective 1 April 2025 |